 It is said that soon after the beginning of Jimmu's reign, a Master of Ceremonies ("saishu") was appointed; and this office was commonly held by a member of the Nakatomi clan after the 8th century.This was due to the hereditary nature of both governmental positions and clan roles - a clan's role might be to supply warriors, or, in the case of the Nakatomi, to conduct Shinto rites and hold the associated positions.Though their material holdings were not the most extensive, their spiritual and ritual importance placed the Nakatomi and Imibe second only to the Imperial House during their heyday.